Interpreting Scripture


jcob
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Truth has always been relative to our positions and to claim that we have all truth is too pretentious and arrogant for me. Statements of arrogance generally alienate, rather than invite a discussion for shared truth.

When I read this type of statement, the word that typically enters into my mind is "irony."

Truth, in and of itself, is alienating to those who cannot accept it. The Lord in scripture taught specific truths by which some no longer followed him, thus they alienated themselves. An example would be the young rich men.

I don't think an absolute statement of "Truth [HAS ALWAYS]..." is correctly stated. The truth, with regard to principles, is relative to our positions, which is why so many Bishops apply the gospel principles, truth, differently.

However, fornication, is an absolute and is not relative to our positions. However, the word of wisdom, is a relative truth to our day and time (Then again, is it?).

I have discussed with others that would specify that a person bearing testimony of the truths they know, is arrogance as well, because it is alienating to others who don't believe the same way.

Truth will always alienate those who can not accept it. This is evidence when a member chooses no longer to be a member of the church. They say, the church members are unfriendly, however in my experience with some people in our ward. It is not us alienating, but they no longer are willing to participate in the activities we do. Thus, they have alienated themselves.

In saying this though, I do agree, if we are overbearing in our methods and approach in explaining truth, or sharing truth, then unfortunately, we ourselves fall under the category you suggested, and we alienate, verses bring souls to Christ.

To those who love the truth, the truth will not alienate, but will draw people closer together and unify our faith.

I have always liked the words of Joseph Smith, as shared by Truman G. Madsen, (I am going to paraphrase because I don't remember the exact words) --- It is not a disciple to draw a line, and expect everyone to live up to your line, or else they are wicked and you are righteous --- Sometimes, when we get involved into personal interpretation we can tend to draw a line, and expect others to live by our word, and not by the word they receive. It is a danger to anybody who studies the gospel.

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the love world is small which is crowded even with three people inside.

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Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right one,

so that when we finally meet the person, we will know how to be grateful.

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And a good thing they did that, too! Alma 11:42 Now, there is a death which is called a temporal death; and the death of Christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death, that all shall be raised from this temporal death.

I can understand that what Christ did concerning his sacrifice concerning his death was good - but I am having a very difficult time with your logic that the innocent blood spilt unjustly in murder is good. The death of Christ was good - but in my mind his murder was evil and the very work of the "devil" - See John 8:44.

Do you really believe murder is good?

The Traveler

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Yes, but you are using your mind to make that separation, which is like reading Braille with superabundantly warty fingers.

As well as you, so your conclusion would be that what anyone has to say (using their mind to say it) cannot be true then? So, everything you said is not true either because you used your mind to do it?

I have to admit, though, that one thing you are hinting at is similar to what we believe. The spirit is very difficult to listen to. The "superabundantly warty fingers" (which is a really gross metaphor, btw) is our body itself and the spirit (the braille message underneath) takes spirituality and often times the gift of the Holy Ghost to discern. And in that case the test of truth comes in the form of spirituality. This is what we call a testimony.

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Scriptures are meant to interpret as individuals for spiritual upliftment and to build familiar experiential testimonies. The scriptures consist of every subject or topic that's very relevant to us today as it were the days of old. I find it "Ironic" that the scriptures explains exactly what some are doing today even in this very forum, inquire through prayer with Heavenly Father in faith.

Alma 38:5

5. And now my son, Shiblon, I would that ye should remember, that as much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

6. Now, my son, I would not that ye should think that I know these things of myself, but it is the Spirit of God which is in me which maketh these things known unto me; for if I had not been born of God I should not have known these things.

Micah 6:8

8. He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

D&C 64:33-34

33. Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.

34. Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days.

Revelation 2:2

2. I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

know: TG God, Omniscience of

Gen. 6:5

God saw … every imagination of the thoughts of his heart

apostles: D&C 64:39 (38–39). TG Apostasy of the Early Christian Church.

Prov. 15:18

18. He that is slow to anger appeaseth strife

Contention

see also Contend; Darkness, Spiritual; Disputations; False Doctrine; False Prophets; Hardheartedness; Holy Ghost, Loss of; Strife.

Contention

Gen. 13:8

Let there be no strife

Prov. 10:12

Hatred stirreth up strifes

Prov. 13:10

Only by pride cometh contention

Mosiah 4:14

14. And ye will not suffer your children that they go hungry, or naked; neither will ye suffer that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and quarrel one with another, and serve the devil, who is the master of sin, or who is the evil spirit which hath been spoken of by our fathers, he being an enemy to all righteousness.

This church teaches patience, dilligence, good works, to be humble, and meek, accountability, responsibilty, correct our ways, strive to be closer with Heavenly Father.

suffer: Prov. 13:24

24. He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

rod:Prov. 29:15

15. The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

Chasten:TG Chastening

see also Affliction; Correct; Correction; Exhort; Family, Children, Responsibilities toward; Punish; Rebuke; Reproof.

Prov. 22:15

Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him

Deut. 11:19

teach … your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house

It's a wonderful knowledge to know that we are given teachings and lessons that can strengthen homes. We must build a solid foundation in Jesus Christ, and it starts with ourselves. First we must teach in our own homes the gospel of Jesus Christ and exemplify to our children his love and grace. We must love thy neighbors regardless of behaviors and choices that we may not agree with. We as members shall live by examples of doing good services, I love how we send missionaries to share with the world a testimony of trust and faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. That if these people baptize they will receive the full restoration of the Gospel the power of the Holy Ghost through the ordained ministers of the church of Jesus Christ. This teaching has gone beyond bias, I think it challenges people of social institutes of their foundations, because some social institutes are built on bias itself. It doesn't matter what race, creed, gender we are as long as we trust in Heavenly Father will our trials and tribulations bear peace and ability to have the will to do good things for others.

We should live in humility and unity, chasten oursleves through the atonement of Christ for the plan of salvation (Heavenly Father's Plan). This and only this could be achieved by our own individual choice, desire, and faith.

I must conclude that truth is in the scriptures seek it out for yourselves, and see whether this church is a church for you...you don't have to take my word for it.

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